The Vostok Projector with double acrylic plates for 2 projection cylinders was developed with the idea that is crucial to avoid the disruption inside a planetarium dome when a cylinder or a light bulb needs to be change. Turning on a light stops the planetarium show and breaks the sense of "mystery and magic" provided by the darkness in the dome.

The Vostok Projector allows the operator to effortlessly fade from the images of one cylinder to those of another. This gives a sense of awe for children of all ages who are viewing the show and see stars suddenly fade out and be replaced by mythological characters or even dinosaurs or Mayan temples. This is a revolutionary concept for the portable planetarium field and provides an ability found in only the most expensive permanent planetariums. It is also an ability that is surprisingly affordable for even small institutions or businesses.

The main components of the projector are made with "Aluar Aluminum" (Argentine Aluminum) and steel. Our Vostok Projector is so strong that some of our users have called it "The Tank." The Vostok is a development of our single cylinder "Sputnik" projector. The bases of the both projectors are solid steel metal boxes with aluminum movement components.

It should be noted that the projector is available in both 110 and 220 volts depending on the electrical system of the country to which the projector will be shipped.

One of the most outstanding features of the Vostok system is that both projection cylinders can be turned 180 degrees back and forward. This allows one cylinder to be pushed out of the way of the other cylinder, which is being used for projection.

At the appropriate point in the presentation, the lighted cylinder can be dimmed out, pushed out of the way and the other cylinder brought up and the projection light gradually turned up brighter.

For instance, a presentation could start with the general star cylinder. Then the stars could be dimmed out and replaced with the sinopthic cylinder, which shows lines between the constellations.

While the audience is receiving instruction on the sinopthic cylinder, the other cylinder could be quickly changed to the Hevelius Constellations, perhaps by an assistant.

When this cylinder is turned up, children in the audience usually react very enthusiastically. In this way, a show may use 3 to 6+ cylinders in a fast moving and continuous presentation that will really keep the attention of the audience and cover a wide range of subjects, all the while keeping the dome dark. There is no other affordable portable planetarium capable of this type of presentation.

What is also important to keep in mind is that Portable Planetariums produces an exceptional array of non-astronomical projections cylinders of cultural, historical and scientific subjects.

The dual cylinder feature of the Vostok Projector is perfect for showing a seamless presentation of these subjects. An operator could show the western Hevelius Constellations, then fade to one or both of the Mayan cultural cylinders (Mayan I and II) and perhaps end with the Mayan constellation cylinders.

On the projector, two acrylic disks with imbedded magnets hold the cylinders, which are rotated by separate electrical motors to simulate the rotation of the earth.

Our projectors are the only one in the portable planetarium field, which can change rotation speed (from one revolution every 2 minutes to one revolution every 22 minutes).

The motors are also the only ones able to change their rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to simulate the rotation of the Earth in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

No competing planetarium system is able to match this versatility. Audiences could be shown Polaris in Ursa Minor in the northern hemisphere with the correct directional rotation and then a moment later see the Southern Cross moving in the direction Chileans would see it, all without having any disjointed change of cylinders or lights coming on.

Also, changing the rotation speeds can really add to the presentation. For instance, children love it when the lights dim and all they can see are the stars quickly spinning around the dome. It catches their attention, so

that when the stars are slowed down, an opportunity is given to the presenter to discuss the rotation of the earth and other planets. Cylinders can also be stopped completely to discuss some concept or image.

The acrylic disks, which hold the cylinders are easily removable to gain access to the drive motors, drive belts and other projector components. As noted above, the system has variable controls for the projection lamps, drive motors and blue LED auxiliary lights, which are on the sides of the projector.

Portable Planetariums recommend and provide its projectors with Energizer T2-4 halogen bulbs with the specifications of 5.5 Volts, 0.7 Amperes - 81 Lumens. These halogen bulbs are very durable with extra strong socket pins.

They are 6 times brighter and 3 time more economical than those provided by other firms. The Energizer T2-4 halogen bulbs are readily available worldwide in most specialty stores dealing with electrical bulbs. Energizer is a recognized worldwide brand name. The bulbs themselves are set into gimbaled sockets that always remain in a vertical position to simulate the local horizon

The Vostok Projector is also provided with an ultra strong luxury travel case for long trips and to protect it from damage due to rough handling in shipping and movement from one presentation site to another.

The maintenance of the Vostok Projector is minimal or practically nil. In the rare case there is a need for service, the projector's components are affordable and easily obtainable in most electronic supply shops around the world.

The electronic circuitry has been designed to be as simplified as possible and to allow easy repair. This is a great advantage to a customer who will not have to depend on the inflated expense of proprietary repair in a factory repair facility. As detailed earlier, all supplies such as the lamps are easy to obtain in almost all countries. Our concept is that once the purchase is made the customer must not be held "captive" by the company. It should be noted that as a safety feature, the electrical system is grounded in accordance with international standards.

Components and Functions of the V ostok - Progress Projector

The Vostok Projector has the following component parts:

a) Two columns/stanchions to hold projection cylinders

b) Blue LED auxiliary sidelights

c) Central halogen projection light

d) Six system controls

e) On/Off LED

a) Two columns/stanchions to hold projection cylinders:

These columns/stanchions each have acrylic disks with imbedded magnets, which hold the projection cylinders. The acrylic plates are secured with two screws to the large aluminum drive wheels. The acrylic disks and large drive wheels are removable to access the drive belts. These belts run between the drive motors' small gears and the large aluminum drive wheels.

As described above, both cylinders can be rotated forward or back 180 degrees to allow for the presentation to be switched from one cylinder to another. This is a unique feature of the Vostok projector. No competitor is able to match it.

The competition was designed to operate primarily for astronomical presentations. Our projectors excel at performing astronomical presentation but they can also provide the versatility of presentations of culture, history, biology, paleontology and general science.

It goes without saying that when using astronomical cylinders the vertical axis of the projection cylinder revolves around the polar stars. In the northern hemisphere, this is identified as Polaris, the North Star. The southern hemisphere has its own but less identifiable polar stars.

What varies is the horizon. The latitude of the observer causes this variation. For instance, at the Equator the latitude is zero. Michigan, U.S.A. on the other hand, has a 45 degrees latitude and is exactly midway to the North Pole from the Equator. To give a true view of the night sky, the Vostok Projector allows for variable latitude angles for its projection/stanchions no matter where on the planet the planetarium show is taking place. By varying the angle of the projection cylinder, the gimbaled projection light clearly delineates the correct horizon and the rising and setting of the stars.

Factory installed adjustable nuts allow for smooth movement of the angle of the projection cylinders to the correct latitude of the presentation site. These nuts may be tightened or loosened depending on the preference of the operator. A new feature is a latitude graduate circle, which makes setting the latitude adjustment quick, easy and accurate. Convenient handles on each column/stanchion assist in helping to insure the smooth continuity of the presentation as projections cylinders are brought up or down.

b) Blue LED auxiliary sidelights:

The Vostok Projector has two blue LED lights on each side of the projector. These soft auxiliary lights assist in helping the operator read or find something in the dark. They may also provide a soft light that will not break the darkness of the dome but will allow someone to safely leave the dome if the need arises. The intensity of the lights is variable depending on the need of the operator.

c) Halogen projection bulbs:

The projection bulbs are Energizer Halogen T2-4 (5.5 Volts and 81 Lumens). These are more much affordable and yet at the same time more durable than the competitors' bulbs. It is also an exceptional advantage that the bulbs are from the recognized international brand, Energizer, which permits the bulbs to be readily available, worldwide.

d) Control Panel:

The control panel is as follows:

Switch 1 (T1) - The main power on/off toggle switch for the all the circuits of the projector.

Knob 1 (P1) - On/off and right projection bulb brightness regulator (T2-4).

Knob 2 (P2) - The right cylinder rotation motor speed regulator.

Knob 3 (P3) - On/off and left projection bulb brightness regulator (T2-4).

Knob 4 (P4) - The left cylinder rotation motor speed regulator.

Knob 5 (P5) - On/off brightness regulator for blue LED sidelights.

Switch 2 (T2) On/off for the rotation capacity of the motor for the right cylinder. Upper toggle position turns on the capacity for clockwise rotation. Lower position turns on the capacity for counterclockwise rotation. Center position is "off."

Switch 3 (T3) On/off of the rotation capacity of the motor for the left cylinder. Upper toggle position turns on the capacity for the clockwise rotation. Lower position turns on he capacity for the counterclockwise rotation. Center position is "off."

e) On/Off LED: This LED indicates whether the main power to the Vostok Projector is on or off.

Final considerations for the Vostok Projectors:

The projectors electrical systems are designed with a grounded capacity. It is strongly recommended that the projectors be connected to the appropriate grounded outlet.

As an additional safety feature, the unit contains fuses should the electrical circuit detect a fault. Appropriate precautions should be taken such as avoiding operation under wet conditions, frayed cords or unsafe outlets.

Examples of Projection Cylinders